What are we paying for?

But what about public safety?

Yes, we have our trusty police and firemen – that do a fantastic job. Fine.

But over the past couple days – I’ve heard a couple calls come in about traffic lights that are out around town (such as one at 8th and Washington). Each time, the response from dispatch was “There’s nothing we can do about it until they come back to work on Tuesday.”

Isn’t a traffic light designed to maintain vehicular order – and keep people safe? It’s like the last line of defense really… But with absent minded drivers and inept pedestrians – mixed in with traffic lights that don’t work – this is another disaster waiting to happen. This first started out not so bad – just a green light out (as in the video) – and was later reported Sunday night – that the red light was blown out too.

I think a broken traffic light should be the same priority as a broken manhole cover, sinkhole or any other public safety matter. To have to wait till vacation time is over is unacceptable.

[quote comment=”118003″]Actually, it is the most “helpful information” anyone can provide. The City Council has said time and time again that they don’t know where the money is spent. The Mayor and his budget administrator can’t tell anyone where the money is spent. The request for a forensic audit of Hoboken’s finances (income and spending) went unheard by the Mayor. We now have a forensic audit being performed for the cost of 150K but it was mandated by the state. We, as citizens, have no clarity as to how we wound up with an “uncontrolled” budget because it isn’t visible anywhere. The best chance is to attend budget meetings to get some insight. See you there.[/quote]

That isn’t very encouraging. The council attends all the meetings… and they “don’t know” where the money is spent? Where is the opportunity for insight? Seems nobody who knows
will fess up (assuming they even attend the meeting).

I think I will start by contacting my council representative. Heck, I might even attend the meetings… I always loved the circus.

Actually, it is the most “helpful information” anyone can provide. The City Council has said time and time again that they don’t know where the money is spent. The Mayor and his budget administrator can’t tell anyone where the money is spent. The request for a forensic audit of Hoboken’s finances (income and spending) went unheard by the Mayor. We now have a forensic audit being performed for the cost of 150K but it was mandated by the state. We, as citizens, have no clarity as to how we wound up with an “uncontrolled” budget because it isn’t visible anywhere. The best chance is to attend budget meetings to get some insight. See you there.